Teens Thirsty For Hope

As I wrap up my first Tools 4 Teens program, I am reminded how incredibly blessed I am to be in a position to make a difference in the lives of teenagers. I think my students would be very surprised to know that I got as much out of this experience as they did!

I firmly believe that it doesn't take a bomb, but rather a simple seed planted in a life that can make a huge impact. To hear, with complete conviction, that you are empowered with the ability to define your future, can be the seed which bears a garden of fruit.

My program took my students on a journey they will not soon forget. We talked about Peer Pressure, Sexual Purity, Anger/Forgiveness, Self-Control and what it takes to live life filled with hope, joy and success. For many, this was the first time they heard these Life Skills and Character Building messages. You could see that they were thirsty for HOPE. They want to know that they can achieve their dreams and live a beautiful life. They want to know that they are valuable and loved unconditionally.

My biggest surprise came when I realized just how much I bonded with each one of these teens in such a short amount of time!! They touched my heart in such a way that I want to be their biggest cheerleader as they achieve each milestone in their lives.

I will not forget any of these precious teens. They each made a mark on my heart which has changed me forever.

-Kelly
(Tools4Teens author)

Teens And Suicide

Anytime a teen decides to take his/her life it is disturbing. But the recent suicide viewed on the internet goes beyond disturbing.

USA Today reported:

When Abraham Biggs broadcast the last moments of his life on the Internet, he joined a small fraternity of troubled young people who gained notoriety through death.

Biggs, 19, broadcast live from a bedroom in his Hollywood, Fla., home Wednesday as he talked of suicide, took pills and lay down to die. Some viewers egged him on, then discussed whether what they had seen was real.

Communication with teens is truly important. Had this teen talked through his feelings, this may been avoided.

Our prayers go out to this young teen's family.

This Friday I will be teaching my third class at Paul Revere Middle School. Not only do we have some awesome teens in this program, we also have some pretty creative scrapbookers!

Each week the teens will be taught one lesson from the Tools 4 Teens book and then asked to journal their attitude and goals relating to the topic of the week. With pictures taken from our staff photographer, the teens will create scrapbook pages using photos of themselves, fun and colorful paper and inspirational stickers.

The teens were very excited to hear that they will each receive a customized copy of Tools 4 Teens at the conclusion of this program. I will be writing a special letter to them on our Dedication Page and sign their personal copy.

For many, this is an introduction to relevant issues such as peer pressure, sexual purity, spiritual gifts, consequences of substance abuse and forgiveness. The objective of the Tools 4 Teens program is to build character and sharpen life skills. The creative writing element gets the teens thinking forward by setting healthy goals for their life.

We have many fun and creative things in store for these teens. Red carpets, heavy bricks, positive affirmation among the group and $20 bills will all be used as ways for the teens to connect with the topic. It will be an experience they will not soon forget.

The overall mission of the 7-week program is to build character and teach tools resulting in positive and healthy lifestyle choices.

To find out how you can bring the Tools 4 Teens program to your organization, contact 832-606-6026

Teen Program Gives Hope

This week I made a trip to Cleveland, Texas to visit the Cleveland Correction Center which houses 550 convicted felons.

The purpose of my trip was to observe PEP founder, Catherine Rohr. The Prison Entrepreneurship Program, which began in 2004 by Ms. Rohr is a Godsend for the inmates who enroll in her program.

My intention was to be a "fly on the wall" and simply observe Ms. Rohr's communication with her students. This was important to me as I prepare to teach the content of Tools 4 Teens to a group at at-risk kids beginning Oct. 24th.

Ms. Rohr was delayed several hours so I was asked if I wanted to spend some time with the inmates.

There began the most incredible two-hour journey I have had in a long time. I was able to ask many questions of the inmates who were all considered at-risk teens at one time.

I faced a room full of gangsters, robbers, murderers and drug dealers and was truly blessed by their respect towards me.

Every inmate had a piece of advice or comment which enriched me beyond words. I feel like I gained incredible insight which I will use in my upcoming program at the Paul Revere Middle School.

It is easy to look past the human being to the crime committed, but I will tell you with complete certainty that 90% of the inmates I met would NEVER have landed in prison had they been loved, respected, protected and guided as children.

I was profoundly blessed by this experience. These inmates don't want our pity. They want hope that they can turn from all the negative and painful experiences of their lives and become what God intended.

-Kelly (co-author of Tools4Teens)

Drug Dogs in Schools and Teens who Abuse

A teenage girl in a high school recently told her Mom about a friend who was acting strange in class. He was messing with his shoe and spraying stuff all over them. She commented about why he was spraying his shoes and he replied, "I like the smell."

A few minutes later another friend asked to be excused to go to the restroom. Later, the teenage girl learned that the boy was spraying his shoes so that the drug dogs would not find his stash. The other friend had gone to the principle to report what had happened. The boy was expelled permanently from the private, Christian school.

Many schools all around the United States use drug dogs to help deter drug usage. Some are caught but many learn how to escape the system.

Raising drug free teenagers in today's society can seem impossible but it's not. There is hope for the many parents who struggle with this issue.

SageWalk therapist, Laurie Wilmok, gives great advice to parents who are seeking to raise drug-free teens in a drug-filled society.

Teen Issue Increasing: Cyber-Bulllying

Many parents are unaware of the stress and emotional issues their teens may be facing when it comes to cyber-bullying.

Basically cyber-bullying is bullying that happens online or via other high-tech devices prevalent in teens lives today. Common tactics include photos, gossip, humiliation, and slander.

Teens text more than talk, use social sites such as MySpace and FaceBook, e-mail, talk in chat rooms and blogs which increases the probability of being cyber-bullied. The New York Times states,

Research indicates that as many as 75 percent of teens have been bullied online, but only one in 10 have reported the problem to parents or other adults, a new study shows.

Because teens are not talking to others about the bullying, they tend to think they are the only ones on the receiving end of such attacks. Many feel the need to deal with the problem alone and are missing the help they need to deal with such emotionally charged feelings.

Communication and education is key to helping your teen avoid being bullied online. If they are educated and find themselves being victimized by a cyber-bully, they will most likely talk to someone about it and be equipped with the tools necessary to handle the issue without it destroying them emotionally.

Talking to Your Teen About Sex

Teen pregnancy is in the forefront in the news. It seems that everyone has an opinion about what is appropriate behavior and what is not. Some choose to condemn, others err on the side of grace.

All the attention could be a great time to talk to your teen about sex. Not sure how to talk to your teen or need some help?

Try these two helpful resources:

Tools4Teens: Personalized Scrapbook that deals with the issue of teen sex
Focus On The Family: What Your Teens Need to Know About Sex

Talking to your teen about sex may seem overwhelming and scary, but just like any other difficult lesson, it must be taught. You, as a parent, influence your teen's decisions even if you do not feel you do. So talk to your teen often and keep the lines of communication open, as it depends on you.

Arm yourself with helpful resources, pray, and get talking.

Teens Who Are Miserable

There are very few adults that would choose to go back to their teen years. Why? Because most of them were unhappy teens.

Robert S. McGee wrote an article entitled, "If God Loves Me, Why Am I So Miserable?" He discusses self-esteem issues and gives teens a road-map of how to get reconnected to the Source (God). Ultimately, though, it is the choice of the teen to accept God's path.

McGee states:

God has given us plenty of physical and spiritual evidence to know that He is real. (Check out Romans 1:20.) Yet we ignore the evidence and only believe what we can understand with our human minds. We make substitute gods to worship and look to them for comfort rather than the real God. (See Romans 1:24-25.)

Our Creator lets us follow the temporary pleasures (money, sex and power) in our search for who we are. But understand this: All our human answers disappoint us because we exchange the truth for a lie and reduce God to something that we try to explain humanly.So true. Teens will continue to be miserable if they do not let go of the things they think are making them happy.

So true. Teens will continue to be miserable if they refuse to let go of the things they believe are making them happy. And if the lesson is not learned, the unhappy teen will become an unhappy adult.

A Letter to the Author

Kelly, I just wanted to let you know that over lunch today, I decided to head over to Fellowship of The Woodlands to get a salad from their Sycamores restaurant and to browse the bookstore. I came upon your Tools 4 Teens books while I was there, and was able to truly become acquainted with your beautiful work first hand. I was blessed.

I just want to tell you that I believe in this ministry that God has given you, and I want to encourage you that He is and He will continue to use this talent He has blessed you with, to bless many, many others. Thanks for your obedience in creating these treasures for hands specifically ordained by God to hold them. It is amazing to consider that He already knows the names of all to whom this book will be given.

It was my pleasure to "happen upon" your work.

Many blessings,
Bonnie

ARTreach, Making It Better Program and Tools 4 Teens Unite in Katy, TX

If you live in Katy or Houston, it is very likely that you have heard of the ARTreach program led by Terri Bieber. This program promotes healing and communication through art. Now enter the Making It Better Program where art programs can be administered to kids that need an outlet to express themselves in a positive way. The Making It Better Program, with Executive Director Jacque Daughtry at the helm, has captured the attention of some key community leaders in the Houston area.

Imagine my delight when these two amazing women approached me about incorporating Tools 4 Teens in their programs! What a blessing to come face to face with teens in a classroom setting to TEACH the content of Tools 4 Teens. Pinch me! What a dream to make a direct impact on the future of these special kids!

Beginning in October, I will be testing a program at the Paul Revere Middle School. Students will create a special scrapbook incorporating lessons from Tools 4 Teens. They will be asked to write their opinions on each topic and set goals for themselves in key areas such as purity, peer pressure and forgiveness. At the conclusion of the program, each student will leave with a copy of Tools 4 Teens with their picture right on the cover!

I am so excited to see lives changed and seeds planted. Thank you Terri and Jacque for what you do for so many kids. I can't wait to see our Tools 4 Teens program unfold!

Kelly

Teen Book arrives at The Pregnancy Help Center

Last week copies of Tools 4 Teens arrived at Katy’s Pregnancy Help Center. Tools 4 Life Books and The Pregnancy Help Center have joined forces to make a positive impact in the lives of teens that visit the center.

Executive Director, Debbie Stoddard (seated) is an angel dropped straight from heaven. Her heart for others is unlike anything I have ever experienced. To know and work with Debbie is like having the Holy Spirit reach down to your soul. She has a gift for speaking truth into your life like no other.

Any teen crossing paths with this team will surely be blessed. Each and every volunteer and staff member cares about every life that walks through their door.

Thank you Debbie and your team for your dedication and love for all of those around you.

BRAVO!!

Kelly

Tools 4 Teens teams up with Katy's Pregnancy Help Center

I imagine walking in to the local Pregnancy Help Center as a teen would be somewhat intimidating. More than likely, a young woman would find herself there because she suspects she is pregnant. She may be looking for confirmation of a pregnancy but she will also get much more.

Every person that walks through the doors of the local Katy Pregnancy Help Center will find a wealth of resources and amazing people who truly care. Considered an Educational Resource Center, the center is equipped to meet spiritual, emotional and physical needs.. For many, this visit represents a turning point in their lives. This can mean breaking the cycle of an unhealthy lifestyle. If they choose, young mothers and fathers can be ministered to by staff who will share the word of God. Knowing that God will meet you where you are and knowing that we, as children of God, can begin a new Godly life, regardless of our current circumstances.

This is why I am so excited to be teaming up with Katy's Pregnancy Help Center. Young people will be blessed with a copy of Tools 4 Teens which will communicate hope and a new beginning.

Katy Pregnancy Help Center

http://www.phckaty.org/

-Kelly

Kristin Elliot: A Positive Role Model for Teens

We are excited to introduce you to FaithWest senior Kristin Elliot.

If you watched the recent May 2nd airing of World News Tonight with Charles Gibson, you will have gotten a peek into Kristin's life. She was the featured "Person of the Week" on this national broadcast.

Kristin received this well-deserved honor because of her selfless strength and love for others. Watch the broadcast here: http://abcnews.go.com/WN/PersonOfWeek/story?id=4776877&page=1

As soon as I met Kristin I knew she was a "diamond in the ruff". We knew this was someone who could have a positive impact on many of her peers. This is why she was selected to be in our second edition of Tools 4 Teens.

Kristin's story is featured in the Search for Self and Friendship sections of the book. Her outlook on life is very inspirational and the choices she makes set her on a solid foundation. She is truly a remarkable young woman.

We want to support Kristin and her efforts to raise funds for Kristin's Miracle House. When "Make a Wish" came to Kristin's door to grant her wish, it was not a typical wish she asked for. To their shock and surprise, the staff heard words they have never heard before from a teenager - "I want to build a house for AIDS orphaned children in Africa."

There began a journey that would touch the lives of people all around the world. Through her illness, Kristin never lost sight of what matters most - serving and loving others through the power of Christ.

Address for: KRISTIN'S MIRACLE HOUSE

Make checks payable to: Kristin's Heart

Mail to:
Kristin's Heart
13405 Southwest Freeway, Suite 210
Sugar Land, Texas 77478
Ph: 281-277-1739
Fax: 281-277-3698

Her website is under construction: www.kristinsheart.com

Second Edition Book for Teens

We had a great time Sunday night at KSBJ, with Ann Badger. It was great having an entire hour to talk about our ministry and book -Tools 4 Teens.

It is no surprise that we filled every second of that time with so many exciting things going on behind the scenes- mostly the news of our brand new release of the Second Edition of Tools 4 Teens.

We are so proud of our teen guest - Kristin Elliott. She is such a great girl with an important message to share. Her courage and strength are an inspiration to us all!

Thank you Anne Badger and Ken Farris for your warm hospitality! We can't wait to visit you again!
Kelly

Reaching Teens through New Book

When I set out to write Tools 4 Teens- my first book ever- I jumped in “Kelly-style”- head first and full-throttle. I was determined to knock down every door possible to get a realistic picture of teen life today. I had some idea of what I would find on the other side, right? I was a teen once and thought the issues haven’t changed THAT much. YIKES!

I discovered that not only are there NEW issues facing today’s teen but the old ones still remain and are intensified- the bar raised to a new level.

I will always wonder what the room of defendants and parents must have thought of the stranger who sat in the witness stand to capture the heart and feel of a real juvenile courtroom. I fought back tears by staring at my notebook filled with the names of teens who had gone before the judge. I almost ran from the courtroom in an effort to get to my computer quicker so I could begin my writing. Those teens needed help- big time. The most amazing part for me was that I KNEW I had something that WOULD make a difference in their lives!

While I have met some amazing teens and parents who are walking a Godly path, I also discovered a entire population of lost teens. As each day passed, my pace quickened as I felt an urgency to help…NOW. I realized that many people, myself included, walk through life with blinders on, only seeing what is in front of them. It is when we remove those blinders that we understand the full picture of what is happening to our youth today. I think reality is really tough to face.

It is no surprise that my intensity played out in my writing. Tools 4 Teens is a “OH MY GOSH…..WE HAVE TO DO SOMETHING…..LIKE, RIGHT NOW…approach. I wanted to share all this knowledge I had collected so they could begin living a new life- the one God intended for them. All the faces, stories, great advice and scripture I heard were compiled in my mind and notebook. My desire to reach teens with God’s love and power ignited a passion in me I never experienced before.

Having just turned in the manuscript for the Second Edition of Tools 4 Teens, I feel that same conviction again because I KNOW how many teens lives are about to be impacted by this book. To me, there is no greater gift than to make a difference in the life of a teenager…whether it is my own or someone else’s. In the end, none of these teens are our own. They each belong to God and He has entrusted us ALL to love them and guide them through this life- so they can spend eternity right next to Him.

KSBJ Interview

Sunday, April 27th at 6pm KSBJ's host Anne Badger will conduct a one hour interview with authors Kelly Litvak and Shirley Hanson along with teen guest Kristin Elliott from Faith West Academy School. Please make sure to tune in.

Tools4Teens on American Family Radio

Listen to author Kelly Litvak's interview with John and Lauren on AFR here: johnriley.afr.net

Fox News Interview

Listen to author Kelly Litvak's interview on Fox News here: http://www.myfoxhouston.com/myfox/pages/InsideFox/Detail?contentId=6052012&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=5.2.1

Tools4Teens on Fox News

Tune in to FOX NEWS at 8am for a LIVE interview with host Tom Zizka and author, Kelly Litvak. The interview will take place sometime between 8-9am.

KSBJ Live interview coming in April

Tune in to KSBJ on Sunday, April 27th at 6pm to hear a one hour interview with authors Kelly Litvak and Shirley Hanson. Host Anne Badger will conduct the interview with the authors and one teen guest.

American Family Radio, Tupelo, Mississippi

Author Kelly Litvak will be taping a radio interview on Tuesday, March 4th on American Family Radio with Lauren Kitchens. The interview will air throughout Mississippi but you can hear it here soon through our link.

740 NewsRadio Interview

Tools4Teens was on air this morning. Listen to Kelly Litvak's interview here: http://www.ktrh.com/cc-common/podcast/single_podcast.html?podcast=newscasts.xml

Live on Radio

Tune in this Tuesday, Feburary 26th, to am740 NewsRadio to hear a live interview with author Kelly Litvak and host, Lana Hughs. Set your alarms because this interview will begin at 6:20am.

Authors to Appear on Great Day Houston

Tools 4 Teens authors, Kelly Litvak and Shirley Hanson, can be seen on Great Day Houston this Monday, Feburary 11th at 9:00am on KHOU TV, Channel 11.
Tune in to see the authors share their vision on helping teenagers with their message of hope and inspiration.

Tools4Teens Featured in the Houston Chronicle

Tools 4 Teens authors, Shirley Hanson and Kelly Litvak featured in the Houston Chronicle. The article showcases the message and mission of the creators of Tools 4 Teens and describes their new book and powerful message. Read it here:
http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2008_4507215

The Parent Summit

Tools 4 Life Books invites you to stop by our table this weekend at The Parent Summit, held at Kingsland Baptist Church in Katy. Author, Kelly Litvak will be there to introduce our new release, Tools 4 Teens and answer any questions you may have about this fresh, new approach at reaching your teenager.

The Parent Summit is Saturday, Febuary 9th from 8:30 - 2:00. Featured at this event will be Dr. Richard Ross, cofounder of the True Love Waits campaign. This Parent Summit promises to offer practical tips and tools that you can use with your children of any age! - Pastor Alex Kennedy.

You can register online at: www.kingsland.org

Tools4Teens Press Release

January 30, 2008

MEDIA CONTACTS: Alan Litvak alitvak@tools4teens.net (832) 878-7542

or lstanton@tools4teens.net

www.tools4teens.net

Tools 4 Life, LLC is proud to announce the release of the first in a series of Christian-based books.

Tools 4 Teens, Real Life * Real Answers, is a powerful book with a unique twist. Tools 4 Teens serves up real-life stories about real-life issues surrounding today’s teen. Our format is visually striking to capture a teenager’s eye including the addition of our personalization. This feature enables parents to add a collection of their own photographs to their individual book- a true one-of-a-kind keepsake.

Tools 4 Teens was created with multiple goals in mind. Our main objective is to provide straightforward information that deals with the realities of teenage life today for teens from all social backgrounds. Our book is designed to equip teenagers with critical information so they can make educated choices as they maneuver through difficult and challenging years. Our purpose is not to scare but to prepare teens. We believe knowledge is power and the information contained within our pages comes from authorities who work closely with teens. Each issue is backed with relevant scripture giving the reader “spoon-fed” spiritual guidance.

Inside Tools 4 Teens you will find thirty-one incredible, digitally-produced scrapbook pages, individually tailored to capture your teen’s attention in an informative manner. The message is served up in "bits and bites" making it an easy read for teen’s between the ages of 13 and 18.

Although teenagers in general deal with many of the same issues, boys and girls approach and deal with situations differently. To that end we created separate books for girls and boys that deal specifically with issues for each gender. Some of the subjects covered in the Girl’s 1st Edition include: Abstinence, Peer Pressure, Dating Abuse, Drug and Alcohol use. The Boy’s 1^st Edition covers issues of Self Esteem, Relationship with Fathers, Forgiveness and Drug and Alcohol use and their consequences. Each topic is supported with advice and facts from experts who offer practical and thought-provoking Words of Wisdom.

Our website www.tools4teens.net guides parents through several simple steps to order their personalized book. The addition of their Dedication Letter adds one more special touch to this original keepsake.

Contact us for more information

Teen Song of Solomon Conference: A Huge Hit!

The Song of Solomon conference was a huge hit! What a tremendous blessing for the teens and parents to hear the incredible message delivered by Keith Smith and Derwin Gray and the others who participated in delivering this powerful message. A special thank you to Debbie Muir who invested so much time and effort to put this event together for our community. Also, a big thank you to all those who stopped by our table to see our incredible books. The team from Tools 4 Teens was surely blessed by all your support and prayers. Most importantly, our teens will be profoundly impacted by the message within our books, Tools 4 Teens. Be sure to order your Personalized copy online or visit the new bookstore in Katy, The Bookworm Shop across from the YMCA, to pick up your copy. Feel free to contact us if you have questions or would like us to speak at your church or event. Contact author, Kelly Litvak at 832-606-6026 or klitvak@tools4teens.net

Nominate A Teen to Win!

Nominate a teen that you feel is an inspiration to others. Send a one page letter telling us why you think this teen is terrific! Include your name and contact info. If we chose your teen, we may use them in an upcoming issue of Tools4Teens.

Send letters to:

lstanton@tools4teens.net

Winners will be posted on our website.

New Bookstore Opening

A special thank you goes out to The Fellowship of the Woodlands. Their beautiful new bookstore opened right before Christmas and we were there to introduce Tools4Teens to their many guests. Please stop by and ask for Steve Needham and he will be happy to direct you to Tools4Teens. You can purchase your copy right off the shelf.

Support from The Fellowship at Cinco Ranch

Thanks to Jerry and Gail Edmonson for welcoming Tools4Teens to The Fellowship of Cinco Ranch for a Book Signing last month. Your support is greatly appreciated!!

Tools4Teens Digital Scrapbook Signing

The team from Tools 4 Teens is excited to announce a Book Signing at the Song of Solomon conference located at Grace Fellowship United Methodist Church, Katy, Saturday, January 19^th. Author Kelly Litvak will speak to an audience of parents who will attend from twelve participating churches.

The Houston Chronicle will run a feature story on Tools 4 Teens and its authors, Kelly Litvak and Shirley Hanson. Watch for the story the last week in January.

Absolutely Katy magazine will showcase Tools 4 Teens in an upcoming issue due for release in early spring.

During the first week of release of Tools 4 Teens, a local church leader purchased 40 copies of Tools 4 Teens to be delivered to The Star of Hope shelter. Thank you for your support and playing a part in helping change the lives of these special teenagers!